The sucrose preference test (SPT) is a reward-based test, used as in indicator of anhedonia. Anhedonia, or the decreased ability to experience pleasure, represents one of the core symptoms of depression. Rodents are born with an interest in sweet foods or solutions.

What aspect of a mouse's biology or behavior is assessed using the sucrose preference test?

Sucrose Consumption/Preference Test

The consumption of, or the preference for, palatable sweet solutions, sucrose or saccharin, is the most frequently used test to measure sensitivity to reward in rodents.

How is sucrose preference test calculated?

The amount of sweetened solution and plain water consumed across the testing period (duration of test typically 1–24 h) is measured by weight or volume, and from these data, a saccharin/sucrose preference is calculated as: preference = sweet solution consumed/sweet solution consumed + plain water consumed.